NAMM takes over as “Happiest Place on Earth” in California

By Lori Baldassi

Disneyland in Anaheim, Calif. calls itself “the happiest place on earth.”

But in January, Anaheim has a new happy place — the annual convention of the National Association of Music Manufacturers (NAMM) for musicians and music industry professionals from across the globe. This not-for-profit organization’s convention is in its 33rd year and hosts more than 500 booths from the music industry. Guitars dominate floor space and percussion instruments have their own wing.

NAMM is where musical imagination is supported and encouraged to take flight. Activities and programs are created to encourage music making at any level in any genre for any age.

Besides the wide array of the latest instruments from across the globe, you’ll see many A-list artists like Butch Walker,  Melissa Etheridge and Michael McDonald who come to perform. Others include Steve Lukather, Albert Lee and Steve Morse, who come to support Ernie Ball guitars that they not only use but have a say in creating.

Tony Levin, bass player for Peter Gabriel, presented the Parnelli award that recognizes pioneering, influential professional and companies and their contribution to the live production industry. Jackson Brown received the tech award of the year in front of his many peers and production team.

Round table discussions included experienced professionals and up-and-coming companies. These discussions went on across the convention with topics including technical production, youth education and retail boot camps.

More than 80,000 people walked through the doors of the convention centre and at the end of the each day outdoor seating areas with bars along with a fleet of food trucks welcomed the masses. Entertainment stages dotted the perfectly landscaped grounds.

The best advice I can give for attending NAMM is stay hydrated, wear comfortable shoes and be prepared to be informed and inspired by not only the convention but the crowds of  like-minded people from around the globe. For more information about NAMM go to namm.org

Lori Baldassi went to NAMM as a member of the BizX reporting team.